Have you ever stopped to wonder why some people seem to be better problem solvers than others? Chances are they’ve worked on developing their critical thinking skills - a crucial tool that enables individuals to analyse and evaluate information, form judgments, and make decisions. Be it in work or play, critical thinking is a beneficial skill that will be useful to you throughout your daily routine. Here, we’ll explore how you can go about actually developing these necessary thinking skills to become pro problem solvers.

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the process of analysing and evaluating information, applying knowledge and skills to form judgments, and making decisions. It involves questioning assumptions, identifying biases, and evaluating evidence to come to informed conclusions. At its very core, it’s about looking at things from multiple perspectives and considering all possibilities before making a decision.

How Can You Develop Critical Thinking Skills?

Developing critical thinking skills is not something that happens overnight. It requires practice and effort, but it's definitely worth it. Here are some tips to help you start working on it:

Question Everything:

Don't take everything at face value. Question everything and look for evidence to support claims. When you hear or read something, ask yourself, "Is this true? What evidence supports this claim? Is there any evidence to contradict this claim?" This will help you avoid assumptions and identify biases.

Pro tip: Incorporating the scientific method - a systematic approach to studying phenomena that involves making observations, forming hypotheses, testing those hypotheses, and drawing conclusions based on the results - into your thought process can be a great way to put this into practice. That said, remember not to overthink things to the extent that it leads to an existential crisis!

Analyse and Evaluate Information:

Take the time to analyse and evaluate information, and don’t just accept something without fact-checking it first. Look out for patterns, inconsistencies, and contradictions. Evaluate the credibility of the sources and the evidence presented. This will help you make informed decisions and judgments.

Consider All Possibilities:

Don't limit yourself to one perspective. Consider all possibilities and look at things from different angles. You will find that this helps you come up with creative solutions to problems and make better decisions - whether you’re working on a math problem or a relationship!

Seek Out Different POVs:

Explore different points of view and opinions. Talk to people from varying backgrounds and experiences. This will help you gain a broader understanding of the world and develop more empathy and appreciation for its diversity while training you to take it all in your stride.

Practice Problem-Solving:

Practice problem-solving. Take on challenges and solve problems. This will help you develop your critical thinking skills and apply them in real-life situations. In fact, how about starting with those difficult math problems you assigned in class?

Benefits of Developing Critical Thinking Skills:

Developing critical thinking skills has numerous benefits. Here are some of them:

Better Decision Making:

When you develop your critical thinking skills, you make better decisions. You evaluate information more carefully, consider all possibilities, and make informed judgments. By extension, this means that the outcomes of those decisions are also bound to be successful.

Improved Problem-Solving:

Critical thinking skills help you become a better problem solver. You are better equipped to analyse and evaluate information, identify patterns, and come up with creative solutions to help you tackle problems of any shape or form.

Enhanced Creativity:

With the right guidance, learning can be a truly inspiring and empowering experience. Tutors have the power to inspire and empower students through positive feedback and encouragement, fostering a growth mindset and a love of learning that can increase engagement and a willingness to take on new challenges.

Improved Self- Esteem

When you develop your critical thinking skills, you axiomatically become more creative. T gives you the ability to come up with innovative and unique methods of addressing certain dilemmas and helps you think out of the box to find a way out of any fix. Remember, the most successful decisions aren’t always the most apparent ones.

Better Communication:

In a nutshell, tutoring can have a lasting impact on a student's life by providing them with the academic skills, confidence, and motivation to achieve their goals. These benefits can extend far beyond the classroom, helping your pupils to succeed in their future careers and personal lives.

What Skills do you Gain From Tutoring?

Critical thinking skills also enhance your communication skills. You are better able to articulate your thoughts and ideas, and it even allows you to understand other people's perspectives and viewpoints to an extent.


Remember, every dilemma has a solution - sometimes, you just need to dig deep to find it. And the go-to tool for that task is critical thinking. By questioning things, analysing information, considering all possibilities, seeking different viewpoints, and practising problem-solving, you can make better decisions, work your way around obstacles, and communicate like a boss. It takes practice, but it's worth it. So put on your thinking cap and let’s get started!